Type Approvals

Type Approvals ensure that a manufacturer's earth station equipment operates at the highest technical standards, meets our operating performance requirements, and that all units of a particular model perform in a similar manner. In fact, manufacturers seek approval to Intelsat standards because they know how much it means to customers.

Type-approved equipment can be used for virtually any application, from multinational private networks, to broadcast news reporting, to public-switched services. It is available for both C- and Ku-band operation, and for either fixed or transportable units. The most typical uses are for fixed VSAT networks and fly-away SNG systems.

As of 1 January 2007, Intelsat has discontinued its direct involvement in the process of performing AVT and Type Approval certifications for earth station equipment. By mutual agreement, the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) will continue perform Type Approvals to Intelsat specifications, and Intelsat will recognize and honor the GVF Type Approvals on an equal footing with those that Intelsat has performed in the past.

Benefits

1. Type approved equipment demonstrates consistently superior performance
2. Guaranteed acceptance for connection to our system
3. Lower commissioning costs
4. SNG operators assured rapid deployment and a top-quality connection in virtually any country

Specifications

There are two kinds of type-approval:

• Antenna Model: This approval is for the antenna and feed system only. We may require G/T testing after the antenna and feed have been integrated with your transmission and reception equipment. If necessary, we may accept the manufacturer's calculations or test data.
• Antenna System: This is approval for the antenna and the receiver (LNA/LNB). G/T is pre-qualified so no on-site testing is required and the system may be brought in to service immediately.

Due to cost and other considerations, the majority of customers prefer type-approved units of under seven meters. See below for a list of available size ranges.

Type-Approved Earth Station Sizes

View a current list of all Type Approved Equipment.